MASON CITY, Iowa – A member of the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health has been named a “Childhood Immunization Champion.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention annually recognizes individuals who make a significant contribution to improving public health through their work in childhood immunization, naming one award winner for each state. Immunization nurse Bethany Bjorklund has won the award for Iowa.

“Bethany is very passionate about her work in childhood vaccination, which is clearly demonstrated by the rankings we have achieved,” said Jodi Willemsen, Acute Infectious Disease, Epidemiology, and Preparedness Service Manager at the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health. “She has developed strong partnerships with area clinics and provides education to parents, medical providers, and childcare centers to ensure children are protected from vaccine-preventable diseases.”

Cerro Gordo County ranked first in the state of Iowa for childhood vaccination rates in 2016, with over 87% of two year olds being up-to-date on their immunizations.

Bjorklund has been the immunization nurse for Cerro Gordo County public health for four years.